As part of Cru Church Movements Joseph wears many hats!  Although he is on the National Leadership team as the National Field Director, overseeing all the regional directors throughout the United States, he is also a regional director himself for our region.  He is the regional director for the West region, which includes the states of California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. One of his roles is to visit every staff in West region within 2 years to see their ministry on the field, hear about what the Lord is   doing specifically in their ministries and their partnerships and to give them encouragement in ministry.

Joseph recently met with one of the staff, Pauline, for a field visit.  Pauline and another staff member, Steve, lead the West region monthly times where all the staff gather for encouragement, training and prayer.  It was encouraging for Joseph to meet with Pauline and hear her heart for city-wide prayer, unity of the body of Christ and her heart for reaching Muslims with the love of Jesus. Pauline introduced Joseph to one of her church partners, Pastor Ian, from Trellis Ministry in Costa Mesa. Pastor Ian originally planted the Crossing Church in Costa Mesa and then felt God leading him to start Trellis Ministry—a ministry that brings pastors together for prayer and collaboration to reach their city. Pauline is currently part of their prayer group in Costa Mesa desiring to pray for the needs and the people of Costa Mesa.

Please pray for Joseph as he oversees the west region.  Please pray for Pauline, Steve and the rest of the West regional staff as we continue to partner with churches and organizations to see people come to Christ, see people equipped in how to share their faith and churches planted.

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For the past couple years Michelle has been plugging away at a 42-hour, 3-part program to receive her Mental Health Coach Certification and this week she completed it!  Serving as a case manager for sex trafficked survivors she desired to continue to learn and grow in her understanding and abilities to serve women who have been through so much pain and abuse in their lives. 

We recently graduated 11 more ladies from the Pathways to Freedom Program—it is such a joy to see lives changed as these survivors begin new lives of freedom.  Here are some words of encouragement one of our graduates recently wrote to us…

“My story is the story of God turning a grave into a well-watered garden.  I’m so grateful to be part of Everyone Free. This class has been a beautiful healing journey, and the staff has been available to help me through so many obstacles.  I am truly thankful that I am a survivor of human trafficking because of the community and support and life changes that have taken place as a result of surviving.  

I haven’t seen my children in 7 years and last month I had the opportunity to visit them and attend my daughter’s graduation. They were able to experience me free and redeemed.  I was present and able to meet them where they are at emotionally. I have the skills to be a healthy mother practicing boundaries and communication. I learned on that trip that sometimes communication as a mom is listening and creating a safe space for my children to share their hearts with me.

I am now sober and living “the life” I always dreamed of and never thought was possible.”

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We celebrated the engagement of our son to an amazing young woman this month as well!  Please pray for them as they save, plan and prepare for a lifetime together. We are so proud and happy for them both!
 

Thank you also so much for your continual prayers and financial support for us and the ministry here in Los Angeles.  We are truly grateful for each of you and are blessed.